Pert 'Near Sandstone

Although its rowdy energy has always been a part of its charm, Pert Near Sandstone has sometimes sounded too damn happy — or at least too upbeat to be called a true bluegrass band, despite the quintet’s traditional approach and clogger fan base. However, that’s not the case on the Twin Cities pickers’ latest album, “The Hardest Part of Leaving.” Produced by the Brass Kings’ resophonic ace Steve Kaul, the all-acoustic collection features a surprisingly number of down-and-out tunes, from guitarist J Lenz’s bleak breakup lament “His Island” to banjo player Kevin Kniebel’s soul-searching epic “25th & Riverside.” The new tunes will add more variety to the band’s release party, though that may not be needed with the slew of surprise guest musicians reportedly lined up to join the fun — or the not-so-fun. Chris Riemenschneider